Watford vs. Manchester United: Louis van Gaal Talks Injuries and More in Presser

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal revealed the Red Devils will be missing several key players while addressing the media in Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of their match with Watford at Vicarage Road. He also discussed Jesse Lingard's recent England call-up.

Van Gaal also took time to discuss Chris Smalling's impressive development and the attacks in Paris. First, he named the notable absentees who won't feature against the Hornets on Saturday, per United's official Twitter feed: 

According to the club's official website, he expanded on Rooney: 

"

Every match is a big challenge in the Premier League. Now it is a little bit nasty because [Wayne] Rooney was also ill after the international break and I only see him the day after he played and then he was at home [yesterday], so I don't think he can play either—that is our problem. It is always the same; [Luke] Shaw is injured and then [Marcos] Rojo is not there because he is also injured or he is not fit enough, then I have a problem. You can solve that problem because we have multi-functional players.

"

The Dutchman played down the seriousness of the injuries suffered by Michael Carrick and Anthony Martial on international duty, though. According to the Mirror's Jacob Murtagh, he said it would be "not long" before the Frenchman returns to action, while on Carrick he added, per United's official Twitter feed:

According to the club's official website, Van Gaal noted James Wilson will be available to play in place of Martial and Rooney, but admitted he would not be able to last the full 90 minutes. He said: "Wilson can play, but he cannot play a whole match because he doesn't have the rhythm of the game."

James Robson of the Manchester Evening News believes the club are now suffering for allowing an exodus of attacking talent in the summer and highlighted Memphis Depay as needing to step up his game:

On Lingard, who received his first senior call-up for the Three Lions in the international break, the boss believes his call came quickly but congratulated his player on the reward for his form:

Per the club's official website, when asked about Smalling's impressive displays this season, he said:

"

We have just developed players which is the essence of why I am a coach. I like to help players in their development and he has developed himself in many, many ways. Not in one particular aspect, but in many aspects and that's why you can see he is a different player for yourself. I don't want to answer that question because it is too positive.

"

The 64-year-old admitted United's French and German contingent—Morgan Schneiderlin, Martial and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who were at the Stade de France during the attacks on Paris last Friday—had spoken to him of their experience. Per Murtagh, he said:

"

What they have told me is private I think, but we have communicated about it. I think it is, for every human being in this world, a big blow, so I don’t think I have to mention what our discussions were.

Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin can play, if we don’t take into account this event that has happened.

"

Saturday's trip could well prove tricky for United, particularly with so many key players out.

Watford have thus far been the most impressive of the promoted sides thanks to their strong organisation and the way their players have been able to jell despite many players coming in over the summer.

Odion Ighalo's prolific form could cause the Red Devils some problems, though for the most part United have been incredibly solid at the back, and their injuries are largely to their attacking players.

Missing Martial in particular will be a blow to their chances as he has been their brightest spark in the final third by far. Another uninspiring goalless draw could await them.